Woon Wei Jong

Correspondent, Lianhe Zaobao

Wei Jong joined Shin Min Daily in 2000, then Lianhe Wanbao in 2007. In 2017, he joined SPH's Chinese Media Group Newshub, contributing articles to Lianhe Zaobao and Lianhe Wanbao on society, politics, policies, and current affairs, as well as big reads and special reports. Before becoming a journalist, he was a researcher and editor at two social services organisations.

A general view of rush hour traffic in Taipei, Taiwan, 17 January 2023. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

Are Hong Kong immigrants welcome in Taiwan?

Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong speaks with academics, professionals and consultants about the difficulties Hong Kongers have in gaining residency in Taiwan, which was previously an easy and straightforward process. Why have some Hong Kongers given up and why are some still set on staying in Taiwan despite the arduous process?
Taiwan's armed forces pose for a photo with a Taiwan flag during a routine drills to show combat readiness ahead of Lunar New Year holidays at a military base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 11 January 2023. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

Can Taiwan stay safe in the next decade?

As the sabre-rattling continues in the Taiwan Strait, there seems to be no clear solution in sight for reunification. Zaobao’s correspondent Woon Wei Jong speaks to commentators and experts to take soundings on feasible solutions.
Taiwan Vice President William Lai Ching-te (front row, centre) gestures along with students participating in the International Youth Ambassador Exchange Programme during their visit to the Presidential Office in Taipei, Taiwan, 16 January 2023. (Facebook/賴清德)

Can DPP's new chair William Lai win the Taiwanese presidential election in 2024?

Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong notes that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)'s strong stance of “Taiwan independence” has seen a shift towards a more toned down “peaceful protection of Taiwan”. With Taiwan’s Vice-President William Lai now at the helm of the DPP, he must grapple with internal and external challenges to secure the public’s votes for his party in Taiwan’s 2024 presidential race. In particular, will he be able to persuade the younger voters that his party can achieve the peaceful protection of Taiwan?
People wave flags at the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's pre-election campaign rally ahead of mayoral elections in Taipei, Taiwan, 12 November 2022. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

Taiwan’s mayoral race will impact 2024 presidential election

With Taiwan’s “nine-in-one” local elections just days away, political parties are ramping up their campaign rallies, with the mayoral race tightening in key battlegrounds of Taoyuan, Taipei and Hsinchu, and implications for the presidential race at stake.
A man runs to find a cover during the air-raid exercise named Wan An, an annual 30-minute drill, a reminder of rising Chinese military threat, during which all vehicles are ordered to move to the sides of roads and pedestrians to wait in back streets in Taipei, Taiwan, 25 July 2022. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

Taiwan: A runway for great powers to flex their muscles?   

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s potential visit to Taiwan is setting the stage for a political and military tussle between China and the US. With the risk of a “Fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis” looming, Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong speaks to academics to find out the possible outcomes.
People line up to get a Covid-19 test at a newly set up drive-through site at Liberty Square in Taipei, Taiwan, 20 May 2022. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

The pandemic is affecting Taipei's mayoral election

Taipei's mayoral race is heating up amid the severe Covid-19 outbreak. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party is having a headache as its potential candidate Chen Shih-chung, who is also the commander of the Central Epidemic Command Center, is suffering from a slide in popularity due to his seemingly lousy performance at containing the pandemic in Taiwan. Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong assesses the situation.
As Taiwan is set to become a super-aged society in 2025, what is the plight of the elderly destitute in an ageing Taiwan?

Growing old alone: Elderly poor want better housing, better care in Taiwan

Taiwan is set to become a super-aged society in 2025. At present, a considerable proportion of its elderly face poor living conditions, with 430,000 living in old residential buildings without elevator access. There is also a sizeable number of elderly folk who are homeless and living on the streets. What are the authorities doing to meet the living needs of the elderly and provide them with support? How are community groups playing a role?
People wearing face masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and carrying umbrellas walk on the street during a rainy day in Taipei, Taiwan, 26 November 2021. (Annabelle Chih/Reuters)

Is Taiwan moving towards 'living with the virus'?

Taiwan’s efforts in preventing the spread of Covid-19 has been recognised by the international community. However, the prolonged border restriction is beginning to impact its economy and its people. Is the island ready to move on to its next stage of recovery?
Signage for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) at the company's headquarters in Hsinchu, Taiwan, on 11 January 2022. (I-Hwa Cheng/Bloomberg)

Why TSMC will stay rooted in Taiwan despite pressure to set up overseas chip factories

While the US and Japan would like TSMC to "spread the risk" of global tech supply chains being hit in the event of cross-strait tensions, TSMC is quite firm on keeping its advanced technologies in Taiwan while going through the motions of setting up some overseas outposts as recommended by its allies. It is well aware of its strategic value and will want to hold on to its upper hand.